SUPPORT THE MARATHON

THE HARTFORD COURANT

Hartford's hosting of a marathon Oct. 1 is a hopeful sign for a city that needs new events to draw people downtown. The 26.2-mile road race will begin and end at Bushnell Park as part of the Hooker Day Parade weekend.

Race Director Elizabeth G. Shluger hopes the race -- officially the Aetna Health Plans Hartford Marathon -- will become an annual event that draws thousands of runners and spectators and pumps money into the local economy. Mrs. Shluger directed the former Hartford Bud Light Triathlon.

In addition to the full marathon, the event will include a half marathon, a 5-kilometer race (3.1 miles) and a children's fun run. Any money left over after expenses will benefit the Hartford Police Athletic League and the East Hartford police youth programs.

Mrs. Shluger knows that for the event to succeed, she needs to create excitement. Runners will be treated to a pre-race pasta party in Bushnell Park. On race day, a dozen or so bands will play along the out-and-back course, which crosses the Charter Oak Bridge and heads north through East Hartford and South Windsor.

Staging a marathon is no small undertaking. Mrs. Shluger is solicting $50,000 in corporate donations and will rely on 300 to 400 volunteers on race day. The Hartford City Council should do its part, as requested, to boost this worthy event by passing a resolution waiving charges for police, public works and parks workers.

Hartford has never held a major road race. Manchester hosts a huge Thanksgiving Day race and New Haven stages a popular Labor Day run. Both have become strong local traditions with national reputations. Hartford can do the same if runners, spectators, sponsors and local officials enthusiastically support the race.